The making of an iconic waterfront restaurant

When a prime, waterfront space became available on the newly redeveloped Ettalong foreshore, Natasha Nicholson and Monique Keogh decided to collaborate on a new venture. They worked well into the night putting together a 90 page tender to secure the space. Six months later they won the tender and, The BOX on the Water was born, and is fast becoming an iconic waterfront venue.

“I remember that tender well; we conceived pretty much everything you see today in a week and a half. We were extremely inspired and motivated by the location, the building itself, it was half built by that time, and the chance to run a business so close to home.”

The BOX on the Water has gone from strength to strength over the past couple of years and offers a contemporary, trendy venue for locals and tourists alike. It also contributes greatly to the local community by offering employment and in-house and industry training to well over 40 staff members.

Views to die for @ The Box on the Water

“I am extremely proud of being able to provide employment and opportunity for local people. We pride ourselves on professionalism, high standards in all areas and focus on in-house and industry training. We love hearing about past staff members who came to us green and are now employed in amazing venues in Sydney, other cities or overseas.”

Monique and Natasha have lived on the Central Coast for 9 and 7 years respectively and are Ettalong locals. They love the convenient, relaxed lifestyle that the area offers. They are also loving the positive changes happening in the area, growing from a sleepy country village to a sophisticated seaside destination.

"Ettalong now showcases its natural beauty, has a great food and wine offering and there is a wider demographic with the influx of young families and more professionals.”

“So many new shops and small businesses have opened recently; there is so much enthusiasm for the area and creativity amongst its inhabitants. We are really very lucky to live in a place where opportunity exists and is accessible.”

For more information about The BOX on the Water.